Cheltenham Town Women endured a challenging start to 2026 with a 5-1 defeat against Real Bedford in the FA Women’s National League South on Sunday. Manager Tom Davies described the loss as “completely fair,” acknowledging the visitors’ dominant performance.
This match marked the Robins’ first appearance without their top scorer, Una Lue, who recently transferred to Plymouth. Meanwhile, New Year’s Day loan signing Poppy Irvine made her debut as goalkeeper for Cheltenham.
Real Bedford quickly asserted themselves, racing ahead just six minutes in when Layla O’Brien curled a free-kick from the edge of the box over the wall and into the net. Bedford’s pressure continued, and Issy Bryant capitalised on a through ball to calmly score, registering her tenth goal of the season.
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Though Cheltenham stabilized and showed resilience, Bedford remained a constant threat. Just before halftime, O’Brien was forced off due to injury, replaced by Sophie Byrom.
The second half started poorly for Cheltenham as Courtney Jones inadvertently turned a free-kick into her own net, extending Bedford’s lead to 3-0. Cheltenham briefly sparked with a moment of brilliance when Casi Evans unleashed an audacious 40-yard shot that caught Bedford’s goalkeeper Emily Meale off her line, giving the home fans a glimmer of hope.
However, Bedford quickly regained control. Lucy Wood’s precise pass pierced Cheltenham’s defense, allowing Scarlett Williams to restore the three-goal lead. Substitute Chloe Logie later added a fifth goal to seal the victory.
The Robins’ day worsened when Charlotte Salisbury-Williams received a second yellow card, resulting in a red and her dismissal.
Despite the heavy defeat, Davies praised his debutant goalkeeper’s efforts. “It was a good performance by Poppy,” he commented. “We just need to make sure she has less to deal with.”
Cheltenham will use the coming week to regroup ahead of their Gloucestershire FA County Cup match against Gloucester City Women.